Language in Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s official languages are Bislama, English and French. There are 115 ‘mother tongues’ in common use – the world’s highest concentration of different languages per head of population. English is widely spoken, and most people speak some Bislama. Business communication is conducted in English, French or Bislama.
Handy Phrases Hello = Halo / Bonjour (French)
Goodbye = Tata / Au revoir
Good morning = Gudmoning / Bonjour
Good afternoon = Gudaftanun / Bonjour
Good night = Gudnaet / Bonsoir or bonne nuit
Please = Plis / S’il vous plait
Thank you (very much) = Tankyu (tumas) / Merci ( beaucoup)
You’re welcome = I orate nomo / C’est de rien
Yes = Yes / Oui
Maybe = mebi or maet / Peut-être
Excuse me = Skiusmi / Excusez – moi or Pardon
I’m sorry = Mi sori tumas / Pardon or Je suis désole/ée
How are you? = Olsem wanem? or Yu orate? / Comment ça va?
I am fine, thanks = I orate, tankyu or I gud nomo / Ça va bien merci